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Let's Do Mob Programming

· 2 min read
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When working on a project or with a team, I strongly believe in using Mob Programming (Mob Pro).

The reason I advocate for Mob Pro is that I see it as the ultimate teamwork methodology.

To illustrate this, let's consider a metaphor: one of the keys to a happy marriage is "working together." When children are born, efficiency often becomes a priority, leading to task delegation. For example, since only mothers can nurse babies, fathers naturally take on other responsibilities.

Tasks such as diaper changes, putting the baby to sleep, and household chores like cleaning become divided. When this division of labor continues even as children grow up, resentment can build up over time.

For example:

  • "I appreciate the help, but I wish it were done this way."
  • "If you're collecting garbage, why not do all the rooms?"

When feedback is given after a task is completed, it often leads to dissatisfaction, making both parties feel uncomfortable.

I believe the same applies to work. For example:

  • Coding and reviewing
  • Assigning tasks and checking their progress

When tasks are performed separately, the challenges involved may not be visible to others. This can lead to misunderstandings, where only delays are noticed, making team coordination difficult.

This is where "working together" comes in. Going back to the marriage analogy:

  1. Cooking meals together
  2. Washing dishes together
  3. Cleaning together

When cooking together, you can immediately ask where the seasoning is if you don't know. While one person chops vegetables, the other can boil water or set the table, improving efficiency. If any issues arise or if you have a request, they can be addressed immediately.

How does this translate to development?

  1. One person actively codes.
  2. Another reviews the code while watching.
  3. A third person checks for specification gaps and makes necessary adjustments.

While task delegation might seem like it increases efficiency, it only works when a team has a well-established rhythm. Until that happens, I believe in "working together = Mob Programming."

If the opportunity arises, let's do Mob Pro together!

For more details on Mob Pro, Takeo Obu has published a great explanatory slide. Check it out! 👍

Slide: Let's Do Mob Programming!! An Agile Monster's Introduction to Mob Pro #koberb